And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot.

ISAIAH 23:15KJV
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Isaiah 23:15 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 23:15 mean?

Isaiah 23:15 says that the city of Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years, which is compared to the lifetime of one king, and after those seventy years, Tyre will return in a way described as singing like a harlot. This verse predicts a long period when Tyre will lose its fame and influence, but after that time, it will try to regain attention in a way that is not dignified.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people about the future of Tyre, a wealthy and influential port city. The "seventy years" suggests a fixed, complete period of decline, and the comparison to "one king" means a single reign or era. The image of Tyre "singing as a harlot" is a vivid way to say that after being forgotten, Tyre will seek to attract others again, but not with honor or respect.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 23:15

  • "forgotten" (שָׁכַח, shakach): This word means to be neglected or no longer remembered. Its use here highlights how completely Tyre will fade from people’s minds during this period.
  • "seventy" (שִׁבְעִים, shiv'im) and "years" (שָׁנָה, shanah): The number seventy often symbolizes completeness or a full measure of time in the Hebrew Bible, not always a literal count.
  • "sing" (שִׁיר, shir) and "harlot" (זָנָה, zanah): The phrase "sing as a harlot" uses the image of a prostitute singing to attract customers, showing that Tyre’s return will be marked by a desperate attempt to regain lost business and attention, not by restoring its former glory.

Why Isaiah 23:15 matters

  • Isaiah 23:15 clarifies that Tyre’s downfall is not permanent, but its comeback will lack dignity, showing a cycle of pride, judgment, and a troubled return.
  • The verse connects to the larger prophecy against Tyre in Isaiah 23, where the city’s wealth and trade are judged by God, and its future is described in vivid, memorable images.
  • The specific mention of "seventy years" helps readers see that God’s plans have set times and purposes, and that even powerful cities are not beyond losing their influence.

Where else these words appear

“Tyre” Hebrew H6865 · used in 39 verses

  • Joshua 19:29 And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:
  • Psalms 87:4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
  • Ezekiel 27:2 Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;

“end” Hebrew H7093 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
  • Esther 2:12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women,(for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
  • Ezekiel 7:3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.

“harlot” Hebrew H2181 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 34:31 And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?
  • 1 Kings 3:16 Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
  • Ezekiel 16:31 In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;

“sing” Hebrew H7892 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Psalms 18:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
  • Psalms 126:1 A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.